Recent Nature issue "Whales: No mass strandings since sonar ban"

Recent Nature issue "Whales: No mass strandings since sonar ban"

For those of you who can't access Nature:

Prompt political action may have resulted in a remarkable conservation success for whales and dolphins. The Canary Islands used to be a hotspot for mass strandings, but there have been no mass beachings since the Spanish government imposed a moratorium on naval exercises in these waters in 2004.

Naval sonar operations have long been implicated in mass strandings, particularly of beaked whales (R. Filadelfo et al. Aquat. Mamm. 35, 435–444; 2009). In 2002, the stranding of 14 beaked whales in the Canary Islands was linked to the use of mid-frequency naval sonar in the area (P. D. Jepson et al. Nature 425, 575–576; 2003). In 2004, four Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) were stranded there after an international naval exercise (A. Fernández et al. J. Mar. Sci. Res. Dev. 2, 2; 2012).

These events prompted the Spanish moratorium and led the European Parliament to issue a non-binding resolution in 2004 to stop the deployment of high-intensity sonar until the completion of a global assessment of its cumulative effects on marine life. Author information Affiliations

University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
    Antonio Fernández &
    Manuel Arbelo
Society of Cetacean Studies in Canary Islands (SECAC), Lanzarote, Spain.
    Vidal Martín

Corresponding author

Correspondence to:

Antonio Fernández

United States: Up to 1 Out of 5 Children Experiencing A Mental Disorder According to New CDC Report

27 May 2013

United States: Up to 1 Out of 5 Children Experiencing A Mental Disorder According to New CDC Report

It is estimated that 13-20% of children living in the United States (up to 1 out of 5 children) experience a mental disorder in a given year and an estimated $247 billion is spent each year on childhood mental disorders.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mental Health Surveillance Among Children —United States, 2005–2011, describes the number of U.S. children aged 3–17 years who have specific mental disorders, compiling information from different data sources covering the period 2005–2011. It provides information on childhood mental disorders where there is recent or ongoing monitoring. These include ADHD, disruptive behavioral disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorders, mood and anxiety disorders including depression, substance use disorders, and Tourette syndrome.  

ADHD was the most prevalent current diagnosis among children aged 3–17 years. 

We should ask ourselves: what are the reasons for the very large numbers of children experiencing mental disorders?  Could it be the American diet - junk food, GMOs, additives ... ?  Could it be the fact that we are placing radiation-emitting gadgets into the hands of very small children, which has a serious impact on their developing brains and bodies?  Would the CDC ever consider wireless technology as a risk factor?

Children’s Mental Health – New Report 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

On May 16, a new CDC report was released that describes, for the first time, federal activities that track U.S. children’s mental disorders. Find out about children’s mental health and what we have learned.

The term childhood mental disorder means all mental disorders that can be diagnosed and begin in childhood (for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, behavior disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, etc.). Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the ways children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions. Symptoms usually start in early childhood, although some of the disorders may develop throughout the teenage years. The diagnosis is often made in the school years and sometimes earlier. However, some children with a mental disorder may not be recognized or diagnosed as having one.

Childhood mental disorders can be treated and managed. There are many evidence-based treatment options, so parents and doctors should work closely with everyone involved in the child's treatment — teachers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Taking advantage of all the resources available will help parents, health professionals and educators guide the child towards success. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental disorders.

An Important Public Health Issue 

Mental health is important to overall health. Mental disorders are chronic health conditions that can continue through the lifespan. Without early diagnosis and treatment, children with mental disorders can have problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. This can also interfere with their healthy development, and these problems can continue into adulthood.

Children's mental disorders affect many children and families. Boys and girls of all ages, ethnic/racial backgrounds, and regions of the United States experience mental disorders. Based on the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine report (Preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people: progress and possibilities, 2009) that gathered findings from previous studies, it is estimated that 13 –20 percent of children living in the United States (up to 1 out of 5 children) experience a mental disorder in a given year and an estimated $247 billion is spent each year on childhood mental disorders. Because of the impact on children, families, and communities, children's mental disorders are an important public health issue in the United States.

Monitoring Children's Mental Health 

Public health surveillance – which is the collection and monitoring of information about health among the public over time – is a first step to better understand childhood mental disorders and promote children's mental health. Ongoing and systematic monitoring of mental health and mental disorders will help.

· increase understanding of the mental health needs of children;

· inform research on factors that increase risk and promote prevention;

· find out which programs are effective at preventing mental disorders and promoting children's mental health; and

· monitor if treatment and prevention efforts are effective.

CDC issues first comprehensive report on children's mental health in the United States

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mental Health Surveillance Among Children —United States, 2005–2011, describes federal efforts on monitoring mental disorders, and presents estimates of the number of children with specific mental disorders. The report was developed in collaboration with key federal partners, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It is an important step towards better understanding these disorders and the impact they have on children.

This is the first report to describe the number of U.S. children aged 3–17 years who have specific mental disorders, compiling information from different data sources covering the period 2005–2011. It provides information on childhood mental disorders where there is recent or ongoing monitoring. These include ADHD, disruptive behavioral disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorders, mood and anxiety disorders including depression, substance use disorders, and Tourette syndrome. The report also includes information on a few indicators of mental health, specifically, mentally unhealthy days and suicide.
Who is Affected?

The following are key findings from this report about mental disorders among children aged 3–17 years:

· Millions of American children live with depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome or a host of other mental health issues.

· ADHD was the most prevalent current diagnosis among children aged 3–17 years.

· The number of children with a mental disorder increased with age, with the exception of autism spectrum disorders, which was highest among 6 to 11 year old children.

· Boys were more likely than girls to have ADHD, behavioral or conduct problems, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, Tourette syndrome, and cigarette dependence.

· Adolescent boys aged 12–17 years were more likely than girls to die by suicide.

· Adolescent girls were more likely than boys to have depression or an alcohol use disorder.

Data collected from a variety of data sources between the years 2005-2011 show:

Children aged 3-17 years currently had:

· ADHD (6.8%)
· Behavioral or conduct problems (3.5%)
· Anxiety (3.0%)
· Depression (2.1%)
· Autism spectrum disorders (1.1%)
· Tourette syndrome (0.2%) (among children aged 6–17 years)

Adolescents aged 12–17 years had:

· Illicit drug use disorder in the past year (4.7%)
· Alcohol use disorder in the past year (4.2%)
· Cigarette dependence in the past month (2.8%)

The estimates for current diagnosis were lower than estimates for "ever" diagnosis, meaning whether a child had ever received a diagnosis in his or her lifetime. Suicide, which can result from the interaction of mental disorders and other factors, was the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 12–17 years in 2010.

Looking to the Future 
Public health includes mental health. CDC worked with several agencies to summarize and report this information. The goal is now to build on the strengths of these partnering agencies to develop better ways to document how many children have mental disorders, better understand the impacts of mental disorders, inform needs for treatment and intervention strategies, and promote the mental health of children. This report is an important step on the road to recognizing the impact of childhood mental disorders and developing a public health approach to address children's mental health.

What You Can Do 

Parents: You know your child best. Talk to your child's health care professional if you have concerns about the way your child behaves at home, in school, or with friends.

Youth: It is just as important to take care of your mental health as it is your physical health. If you are angry, worried or sad, don't be afraid to talk about your feelings and reach out to a trusted friend or adult.

Health care professionals: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on updated guidelines is very important. There are resources available to help diagnose and treat children's mental disorders.

Teachers/School Administrators: Early identification is important, so that children can get the help they need. Work with families and health care professionals if you have concerns about the mental health of a child in your school.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mental health surveillance among children — United States 2005–2011. MMWR 2013;62(Suppl; May 16, 2013):1-35.

http://www.cdc.gov/features/childrensmentalhealth/ 

Millions march against Monsanto in over 400 cities over 50 countries on Saturday.

Millions march against Monsanto in over 400 cities over 50 countries 

Protests in the different countries are documented here
https://www.facebook.com/MarchAgainstMonstanto

LOS ANGELES -- Two million people marched in protest against seed giant Monsanto in hundreds of rallies across the U.S. and in over 50 other countries on Saturday.

"March Against Monsanto" protesters say they wanted to call attention to the dangers posed by genetically modified food and the food giants that produce it. Founder and organizer Tami Canal said protests were held in 436 cities in 52 countries.

Genetically modified plants are grown from seeds that are engineered to resist insecticides and herbicides, add nutritional benefits or otherwise improve crop yields and increase the global food supply. Most corn, soybean and cotton crops grown in the United States today have been genetically modified. But some say genetically modified organisms can lead to serious health conditions and harm the environment. The use of GMOs has been a growing issue of contention in recent years, with health advocates pushing for mandatory labeling of genetically modified products even though the federal government and many scientists say the technology is safe.

The 'March Against Monsanto' movement began just a few months ago, when Canal created a Facebook page on Feb. 28 calling for a rally against the company's practices.

"If I had gotten 3,000 people to join me, I would have considered that a success," she said Saturday. Instead, two million responded to her message.

Together with Seattle blogger and activist Emilie Rensink and Nick Bernabe of Anti-Media.org, Canal worked with A Revolt.org ditigal anarchy to promote international awareness of the event. She called the turnout "incredible," and credited social media for being a vehicle for furthering opportunities for activism. Despite the size of the gatherings, Canal said she was grateful that the marches were uniformly peaceful and no arrests have been reported.

"It was empowering and inspiring to see so many people, from different walks of life, put aside their differences and come together today," she said. The group plans to harness the success of the event to continue its anti-GMO cause. "We will continue until Monsanto complies with consumer demand. They are poisoning our children, poisoning our planet," she said. "If we don't act, who's going to?"

Monsanto Co., based in St. Louis, said Saturday that it respects people's rights to express their opinion on the topic, but maintains that its seeds improve agriculture by helping farmers produce more from their land while conserving resources such as water and energy.

The Food and Drug Administration does not require genetically modified foods to carry a label, but organic food companies and some consumer groups have intensified their push for labels, arguing that the modified seeds are floating from field to field and contaminating traditional crops. The groups have been bolstered by a growing network of consumers who are wary of processed and modified foods.

The Senate this week overwhelmingly rejected a bill that would allow states to require labeling of genetically modified foods.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization, a lobbying group that represents Monsanto, DuPont & Co. and other makers of genetically modified seeds, has said that it supports voluntary labeling for people who seek out such products. But it says that mandatory labeling would only mislead or confuse consumers into thinking the products aren't safe, even though the FDA has said there's no difference between GMO and organic, non-GMO foods.

However, state legislatures in Vermont and Connecticut moved ahead this month with votes to make food companies declare genetically modified ingredients on their packages. And supermarket retailer Whole Foods Markets Inc. has said that all products in its North American stores that contain genetically modified ingredients will be labeled as such by 2018.

Whole Foods says there is growing demand for products that don't use GMOs, with sales of products with a "Non-GMO" verification label spiking between 15 percent and 30 percent.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news%2Fbusiness&id=9116412

Experts gather to discuss electro-smog

Experts gather to discuss electro-smog 

BY THE GAZETTE, THE GAZETTE MAY 25, 2013

 

The Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique is calling for a moratorium on the installation of smart meters. Hydro-Québec is installing 3.8 million of the meters, which read customers’ consumption remotely. The utility says the meters’ emission levels meters fall well below Health Canada limits.

Photograph by: Frederic Hore , Special to The Gazette

MONTREAL — You won’t hear alerts about this kind of smog.

It’s called electro-smog and groups worried about the growing use of devices emitting radio frequencies — including cellphones, wireless home networks and smart hydro meters — say it should be taken more seriously.

On Saturday, they brought medical experts to a Montreal environmental fair to raise awareness about the potential adverse health effects of the radio frequencies.

“We don’t see it but there are waves all around us that are suspected, and we believe they do, have an impact on people’s health,” said André Bélisle, of the Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique.

The group is calling for a moratorium on the installation of smart meters.

Hydro-Québec is installing 3.8 million of the meters, which read customers’ consumption remotely. The utility says the meters’ emission levels meters fall well below Health Canada limits.

Consumers can opt to not have a smart meter if they are willing to pay various fees.

Magda Havas, an environmental studies professor at Trent University in Ontario, said the public should be made aware of possible dangers.

“My concern is that there’s so much microwave and radio-frequency radiation that we’re generating from all of our wireless technology that there are certain people now who have become electrically sensitive — they can’t tolerate the exposure,” Havas said.

“Many of these people don’t have cellphones, they don’t have wireless technology because it affects them and now they’re forced to have a wireless meter on their homes.”

Roy Fox, a doctor who until recently was the medical director of the Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre, treats patients who have environmental sensitivities.

Symptoms range from difficulty focusing, memory problems, loss of energy, and abnormal sensations in various parts of the body, he said.

Most of these environmental sensitivities are related to chemicals and poor indoor air quality, Fox said. But in some cases, some radio-frequency devices worsen the symptoms, he said.

“In modern life, we cannot avoid exposure to Wi-Fi and microwave radiation,” Fox said. “People can’t just change the world and get better, so what we try to do is to try to get people as healthy as possible and get them to be judicious in their exposure and to make changes in their lives that may be stressing their system.”

The Parti Québécois government has pushed ahead with the previous Liberal plan to install the smart meters across Quebec.

Among those listening in at a press conference by Havas and Fox was Daniel Breton, a PQ MNA who was recently appointed by Premier Pauline Marois to study how Quebec can electrify transport.

“I’m here to listen,” Breton said in an interview. “People say there’s a problem with smart meters and cell towers and now we’re talking about charging electric cars by induction — wirelessly.

“I want to assure myself that before we go in that direction we have all the information we need.”

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Experts+gather+discuss+electro+smog/8435915/story.html

Addicted to your cell phone?

Addicted to your cell phone?

ZEENIA F BARIA, TNN | May 24, 2013, 12.01 PM IST

Addicted to your cell phone? 
(Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Here's what you need to know...

While cell phones have become an indispensable part of our lives, over-attachment and over-dependence on them can spell doom for your health. Here, experts reveal why too much usagecan cause you more harm than good...

Reduces sperm count
Gynaecologist and infertility specialist Dr Nandita Palshetkar says that the high-frequency electromagnetic radiation that cell phones emit may be associated with increased risk of brain tumours. "However, other tissues in the body such as the testes may also be sensitive to these cell phone-radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Cell phone fields, because of their frequency and intensity, are prone to increasing temperature in tissues close to where they are used. Men who use hands-free devices tend to carry their cell phones in their pants pocket or clipped to their belts at the waist while in talk mode. As a result, they may be exposing their testicles to damaging radiofrequency electromagnetic waves. When placed close to the testes, such as in a pocket or on the hip, cell phones have been found to be associated with reduced sperm motilityand concentration. Even cell phones that are at rest are emitting signals as they constantly monitor the airwaves for a signal. This seemed to be more associated with the length of time in the proximity of the testes," says Dr Palshetkar.

Researchers in the US showed that radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones can impair sperm quality. They collected semen samples from 32 men and divided each man's sample into two parts. They placed half of the semen samples 2.5 centimetres away from a 850 MHz frequency cell phone in talk mode for one hour. They chose this distance because it is the typical distance between the testes and the trouser pockets. Semen exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones had higher levels of damaging free radicals, lower sperm motility (the ability of the sperm to move and swim) and sperm viability (the percentage of live sperm), and possibly greater oxidative stress, the study shows. There were no significant differences in DNA damage between the exposed and unexposed groups. Future studies will determine if there is dangerous emission when the phone is in silent or standby mode. The emission may be smaller than when in talk mode, but could it still be harmful if it reaches the testes, say researchers.

Risk for people with pacemakers
Interventional cardiologist Dr Suresh Vijan says that cell phones and portable media players produce measurable electrical and magnetic fields. But the strength of these fields will not affect ordinary heart rhythm or function, studies suggest. "Various experts have also looked at whether cellphones can present a danger to those with an implanted pacemaker, internal defibrillator or a similar device. The results, for the most part, have been reassuring. Problems may be most likely to arise when pacemakers and defibrillators are being programmed or reset by medical staff. Spurious signals from consumer gadgets may interfere with settings. Cellphones should therefore always be turned off under these circumstances. Such signals could interfere with everyday function of heart devices as well. The good news is that the laws of physics dictate that the strength of the fields generated by cellphones and other electronic players falls rapidly with distance from the source. What this means is, if you double the distance from the source, for example, the field force drops four-fold (two squared), not just two-fold. Wee recommend that that those with implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators keep their cellphones at least six inches from the generator to minimise potential interference.

Hurts the joints
Joint replacement surgeon Dr Nirad Vengsarkar says that when one overdoes texting, finger jointsstart aching and in worst case scenarios, there is even an early onset of arthritis, especially in the interphalangeal joints of the thumbs. "There has been a steady rise in the number of patients who complain of pain in the fingers, with discomfort even travelling to the arms in some cases. Some people even complain about neck pain because they tend to hold the phone between their ear and shoulder while they work. Others use incorrect postures to sit and text. All these have increased the number of patients who suffer from joint pain. I would advise people to avoid textingcontinuously for hours because in the long run, it will do them a lot of harm."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Addicted-to-your-cell-phone/articleshow/20240677.cms

Electrosmog may cause health problems, group says

Electrosmog may cause health problems, group says

CBC News 

Posted: May 25, 2013 3:21 PM ET 

Last Updated: May 25, 2013 3:45 PM ET

Smart meters use electromagnetic frequencies to transmit consumption data to power companies, and some people believe they're a source of health problems. 

(Toby Talbot/AP file photo)

A relatively new type of air pollution called electrosmog may be the cause of a variety of ailments, said the Quebec a Quebec group dedicated to fighting air pollution.

Known by its French acronym AQLPA, the organization is calling for a moratorium on Hydro Québec’s smart meters project.

“We know that more and more people are suffering from electric sensitivity and they’re hypersensitive to all kinds of waves. We see the numbers growing year after year,” said AQLPA president André Bélisle.

The group organized an event this morning outside the Montreal Olympic Stadium to talk about electrosmog and its potential health risks.

“We are using all kinds of devices… it’s cellular phones, it’s smart meters, all kinds of antennas around us, and we don’t see it,” he said. “We believe they have an impact on people’s health.”

Dr. Magda Havas, an associate professor of environmental and resource studies at Trent University in Ontario, said research on electromagnetic hypersensitivity is still in its early stages, but that complaints from patients point to recent installations of smart meters.

“When smart meters go on a home, people complain. Not everyone, but some percentage of the population complains of the symptoms we develop when we're electrically hypersensitive,” Havas said.

Quebec MNA Amir Khadir, who is also a doctor, agreed.

Symptoms thought to be a result of electromagnetic hypersensitivity include headaches and stomach problems.

“Since the installation of smart meters by Hydro Québec, these symptoms are now widely reported by people who never complained about it before,” he said.

Former Quebec environment minister Daniel Breton and AQLPA’s Bélisle agreed that not enough research on the effects of electrosmog and electromagnetic pollution has been done.

“I want to make sure that, before we go full-steam ahead, we have all the arguments,” he said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2013/05/25/montreal-electrosmog-electromagnetic-hypersensitivity-smart-meters.html

No Technology Allowed at 'Digital Detox' Summer Camp for Grown-Ups

No Technology Allowed at 'Digital Detox' Summer Camp for Grown-Ups

BY VIGNESH RAMACHANDRANMAY 01, 2013

BY VIGNESH RAMACHANDRANMAY 01, 2013

If your smartphone is attached to your hip, your blood flows like a Twitter feed and you're fairly certain your eyes permanently see through an Instagram filter, then maybe it's time to disconnect for a bit?

A new summer camp aims to help adults take a break from technology for a weekend of being a kid again. "Camp Grounded," a retreat brought to you by the folks at The Digital Detox, takes place this June near Anderson Valley, Calif. (about two to three hours north of San Francisco).

This four-day "summer camp for adults" in a 1970s-style Boy Scouts camp atmosphere brings together 232 campers who must follow some special rules: no technology use, no cell phones allowed and no talking about work.

"We really hope people reconnect with themselves," said Ben Hanna, a partner at The Digital Detox. 

"So

"So many people now don't understand their relationship with technology, but they do know something's wrong with how often they feel the need to check their phone."

Campers get to stay in open-faced cabins, eat in a dining hall and can participate in tech-free activities including archery, capture the flag, arts & crafts workshops, pillow fights and yoga.

"Part of what we want to do is give people this ability to kind of dive deep into something that they haven't really done," Hanna told Mashable.

Compared to camp for kids, sneaking out at night is actuallyencouraged at Camp Grounded. Hanna said campers can wander through the woods to discover a "magical nightlife."

"You never really know what you're going to come across," he said. "It might be a jazz quartet inside of a dancing school bus ... We're going to have a bunch of bonfires and musicians up there and stuff as well."

It is a drug- and alcohol-free event, and the camp will have medical personnel and a camp phone on site for emergencies.

SEE ALSO: Vacationing Americans Prefer Giving Up Booze Over Mobile Devices

Hanna says this sold-out June 14 to 17 event has attracted people from all over the world, including people in the tech community like CEOs and venture capitalists. But at camp, everyone will use nicknames and attendees can't ask each other their ages, so everyone is really "just another camper," Hanna said.

Though there is currently a waitlist, they plan to hold another session in the future, since demand has been so high.

Hanna, a former tech industry whiz himself (he has worked at Couchsurfing.org), said The Digital Detox regularly holds other monthly device-free retreats, as well as device-free events that have a "phone check" (like a coat check).

But with Camp Grounded, it's the largest retreat they've done so far, according to Hanna.

"When you were a kid, your life was not dominated by the technology that it is now," he said. "We want to take people back to that easy state of living where their only concern is 'what's the next activity that I'm going to right now and what's going to be the next fun thing?'"

Could you survive a tech-free weekend on a "digital detox?" Or would it be too difficult for you to disconnect? Share your thoughts on this concept in the comments.

Mashable composite thumbnail and lead image: Photo courtesy of The Digital Detox; graphic via iStockphoto, RUSSELLTATEdotCOM. Story images courtesy of The Digital Detox.

http://mashable.com/2013/04/30/digital-detox-camp-grounded/